Our first engagement announcement

Being a celebrity couple isn't easy. It requires smiling (a lot), patience (a lot more) and the ability to autograph. Thankfully, Julie and I have all three. Right now, we're not able to share that with people on a regular basis because we're in two different states; Julie is with her family in Missouri, and I'm with mine in Colorado.

But we're still wowing people across the country, even if it's with a photograph.

That's what happened Saturday. Our next-door neighbor called and asked why in the world she hadn't been told the good news. Our engagement announcement, it so happens, showed up in the local paper (to read that tiny font, just click the photo over on the left and you'll get a larger version). Mom and Dad had been over for an open house the night before, but had been engaged (if you will) in other topics of conversation.

Well, once we found out it was in the Longmont Daily Times-Call, we had to get our copies.

I asked for between five and 10 copies, and Dad said he'd get as many as he could find. He got 10 and cleaned out a gas station and the local Kmart in a hurry. It turned out really nicely. I hadn't expected them to print our photograph in color, but they did, and it reproduced really nicely. 

In retrospect, I should have added more information about us, but I also know that it probably would have frustrated the page designer to no end to have to come up with a way to fix 3,000 inches of copy onto a page that was also used for other couples' announcements.

Once the wedding is over, I'll write up a centerpiece for them to publish. In fact, they could print a special edition. All on me. I'll provide the content for free.

Everyone had copies of the announcement at church services today and was graciously providing me with copies. They're great. One woman commented on how pretty Julie was, and one of the men told me that a great marriage is truly fantastic. He and his wife have been married for 44 years. 

I'm inclined to believe him.

It's been so much fun so far, and I'm confident it will continue to be. I can't imagine things being any different. Life is sweet!

Merry Christmas, everyone — may we all count our blessings and enjoy every minute we can spend with those we love.

Until the next post, I am

Nate

Winter Break is Finally Here!!!

Only 94 days until the wedding!!! It is exciting to have less than 100 days until the wedding. Only my Mom doesn't like to hear the countdown because that makes her worry about getting everything done. Just thinking about it makes me want to jump up and down and shriek with excitement like a teenage girl.

Over Thanksgiving break we were able to get almost all of the Save the Dates addressed and mailed out. Dad also printed the invitations and they turned out amazing. We also went out on black Friday to raid Michaels craft store where we bought them out of glass candle holders for the wedding. What fun! It really is possible to plan a nice, elegant wedding without spending tons of money. You just need to shop around for the best deals.

Nate has gone back to Colorado for break, but over New Years I am planning on flying out there to visit. What fun that will be! Most of the main planning things are done now all that is left is working out the little details.

I can't wait for March 22nd!!!

Julie